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Mobile ticket
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
This tour is non-refundable. All guests must supply their full name that matches a valid ID at the time of the booking. Should you fail to provide these, your reservation will be canceled. Name changes are not permitted.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica 12€, St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€
Spanish Speaking guide - if option selected
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
5,083 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Trish Y,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
Martina was great and it hit all the things we wanted to see. She was knowledgeable and made things interesting.
matthewgC477UL,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our tour guide was Marina and she was amazing! Our tour was in spanish and we loved the way she explained everything as well as answered every question we had! Phenomenal experience!
502aliseab,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing and phenomenal! Marina is so knowledgeable and is the GOAT!!! …written from a 14 year old’s perspective This is a Take Walks tour and they are literally the best. This tour helped me decode some of the repetitive themes in the paintings of the Doges Palace that I didn’t get to learn the last time I was there.
Danitza S,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
Emmanuel our tour guide was super! Extremely knowledgeable, personable, and funny ! Great tour-definitely recommend!
Stay21091049442,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
G1567EVmalikb,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
An amazing tour! Our guide Marina was amazing and very insightful! I would recommend it to everyone!
H4587TBlaurap,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Virginia was an amazing guide, leading us with intelligence through both St. Marks and the Doge Palace and answering all of our questions with insight, humor and patience. A wonderful experience!
Y8690URjackb,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
My partner and I had a most wonderful experience. Our guide, Virginia, was personable, articulate and very knowledgeable. We had a chance to ask questions and the headsets were perfect. A must do and ask for Virginia!










rogerbA1338SK,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Martina was brilliant - insight, knowledge and humour made this a fascinating and entertaining tour. Highly recommend
neilt52,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Martina is excellent with wealth of knowledge of the history. Very well paced. Very enjoyable. Thanks







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